Seasons & Events · 18. May 2025

Last time, I wrote that the shincha (new green tea) season had just started. This week, I finally went to visit the green tea fields, and I’m happy to say — the season is really in full swing now! It’s even more beautiful than I expected.

Seasons & Events · 07. May 2025

You might be feeling a little sad as the cherry blossom season comes to an end. But don’t worry, there’s something else just as exciting has already arrived: Shincha season! Shincha, which means "new tea" (Shin = new, Cha = tea in Japanese), marks the start of one of Japan’s most exciting tea seasons.

Seasons & Events · 25. March 2025

There's a Japanese expression that goes, 'Three Cold Days, and Four Warm Days.' This is how spring arrives each year. There were some very cold days last week, but it's been quite warm the past few days. I pass by Sumpu Castle park almost every day and have been longing for the time when the cherry blossoms start blooming. And then, FINALLY, the cherry blossoms have started to bloom! The weather forecast reports that they will be in full bloom on April 4th-5th, around the time of Shizuoka...

Seasons & Events · 11. January 2025

The Japan Meteorological Corporation released its first 2025 cherry blossom forecast on January 9th, which is very exciting news (https://n-kishou.com/corp/news-contents/sakura/?lang=en). According to the report, cherry blossoms in Shizuoka will fully bloom in the first week of April. (next update: 23 Jan.) Cherry blossoms in full bloom are one of Japan’s most iconic and breathtaking sights. I also look forward to the cherry blossom season every year. There are thousands of places across...

Seasons & Events · 01. January 2025

Happy New Year! It is a calm, sunny New Year's Day here in Shizuoka.

Seasons & Events · 07. November 2024

Finally, the first snowfall of the year was observed on the summit of Mt. Fuji!

Seasons & Events · 01. October 2024

It’s still hot during the day, but it’s starting to feel more like autumn.